Stipe Miocic has earned his stripes… at least he thinks so.
The heavyweight contender was recently in Phoenix ahead of his December 13 match against Junior dos Santos, where he discussed how he deserves a shot at the interim heavyweight title if he is successful against the former champion.
“I mean, wouldn’t you think so? I’d think so,” Miocic said. “Junior is ranked second. That would move me up to be right behind Werdum, so I think whatever happens after that fight, I should get a shot.
“He’s fought for the title plenty of times. He’s been champion. He’s been [sidelined] for a while, but definitely once I beat him, I think I should get that chance.”
Miocic also believes he has figured out a way to beating the Brazilian and has studied the tapes of the currently-sidelined Cain Velasquez’s last two wins against dos Santos to formulate his strategy for the match.
“The pressure,” Miocic said. “Putting pressure on him, not letting him get off any punches.
“He’s a great guy, he’s a good fighter. He moves a lot, there’s no question the big boy moves fast. He hits hard, just like any fighter in the heavyweight division. I respect him a lot. He’s a former champ, the guy knows what he’s doing in there. He’s a veteran. But I’ll be ready come December 13th.”
